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FIRST ON FOX: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is set to embark on a pivotal journey to Central America next week. This tour will include a significant stop at El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, a facility recently reported to have received hundreds of deported migrant criminals.
On Sunday, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, shared with Fox News Digital that Noem’s visit emphasizes the critical role partner countries play in the removal of violent criminal illegal aliens from the United States.
McLaughlin stated that President Donald Trump and Secretary Noem carry a powerful message for those considering unlawful entry into America. She warned potential criminal aliens not to entertain the thought. If they choose to enter the country and violate its laws, authorities will pursue and detain them.
Noem’s Schedule in El Salvador
Noem’s itinerary begins with a tour of the Terrorist Confinement Center on March 26. She will be accompanied by the Salvadoran Minister of Justice, Héctor Gustavo Villatoro. Later that day, Noem plans to meet with President Nayib Bukele, a critical figure in El Salvador’s ongoing efforts to combat crime.
Subsequent Stops in Colombia and Mexico
Following her visit to El Salvador, Noem intends to continue her journey to Colombia on March 27. She will engage with President Gustavo Petro and the specialized unit of the Colombian National Police, which focuses on organized crime. Noem will conclude her trip in Mexico on March 28, where discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are anticipated to center around collaborative security measures.
Recent Developments in El Salvador’s Deportation Practices
This visit by Noem arrives shortly after El Salvador publicly released unsettling footage depicting the deportation of hundreds of illegal aliens. The video showcased alleged gang members escorted by heavily-armed Salvadoran authorities as they were taken into custody, many appearing visibly distressed.
A senior official from the Trump administration confirmed that 261 illegal aliens were deported to El Salvador on March 15. This group included a mix of nationals, with many deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This legislation permits the expulsion of foreign nationals considered enemies, without requiring a legal hearing.
Among those deported, 101 individuals were Venezuelans expelled under Title 8, while 21 were confirmed members of the Salvadoran MS-13 gang. Additionally, the group included two prominent gang leaders classified as ‘special cases’ for El Salvador.
Criminal Records Raise Concern
The criminal histories of those deported are alarming, encompassing serious charges such as aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, sexual abuse of minors, prostitution, and assault on police officers.
President Bukele, a key ally of Trump, commented that these deportation flights are instrumental for local authorities. He stated that they aid in refining intelligence operations aimed at dismantling remaining factions of MS-13, targeting their members, financial backers, and operations.
Bukele emphasized a dual purpose in these actions: advancing the fight against organized crime while simultaneously supporting allies and developing a self-sustaining prison infrastructure. He expressed gratitude and optimism for El Salvador’s future while invoking blessings for both his nation and the United States.
Trump’s Stance on the Partnership with El Salvador
On March 16, Trump took to Truth Social, reaffirming that the United States would not overlook the partnership with Bukele. He praised Bukele for addressing the significant challenges posed by criminal gangs, a situation exacerbated by what Trump characterized as ineffective Democrat leadership.
The former president described the deported individuals as threats unleashed by current policies, denouncing them as ‘monsters’ allowed into the country under what he termed the failures of the Biden administration and the Radical Left Democrats.
Trump’s reactions underscore the administration’s commitment to stringent immigration enforcement and the pursuit of individuals who pose a danger to public safety. This visit by Noem serves not only as a diplomatic engagement but also as a reaffirmation of the United States’ stance on immigration policy and crime prevention.
Looking Ahead: Implications of Noem’s Visit
Noem’s forthcoming visit to El Salvador and subsequent meetings with leaders in Colombia and Mexico signify a broader focus on regional security and immigration issues. As the United States navigates its immigration challenges, collaborations with partner nations could prove crucial in addressing the complex dynamics of crime and safety.
The administration seeks to reinforce its message against illegal immigration while bolstering international cooperation. Ultimately, the outcomes of these discussions may play a critical role in shaping future policies and strategies aimed at enhancing safety and security for both the American public and citizens of Central American nations.
